🔗 Share this article

Should Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into England’s best squad, it would be smart to eliminate the nonsense. His response after noticing that his number was being shown after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on considering there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance as he realized that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the squad this month. Practically he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as England wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a tough opposition from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

It means it's unclear on if England operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. Under him, England have gained the squad organization and direction in recent months, using a holding player, a No 8, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but often looked too desperate to impress. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after he lost the ball to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on Foden, who looked better suited to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to give him the central position is not guaranteed.